That dry, nagging, tickly cough that seems to linger around for weeks… all-too-familiar in many households this time of year. Check out what we have to share below with some tips and insight into how we can best manage coughs at home.
Understanding the Cough
Coughing can signal various underlying issues, such as colds, allergies, pneumonia, asthma, croup, bronchitis, and more. It’s like a little alarm bell that your child’s body rings to alert you that something’s amiss. It’s important to know what’s causing it to provide the right care.
Coughs usually stick around for several days, often accompanying an upper respiratory infection. In some cases, a cough may persist for up to 4 to 6 weeks after an acute illness. However, if your child’s cough lingers for weeks without improvement, it’s crucial to consult with us for a full evaluation to see if something else is going on. Our team is here to support you and your child’s well-being every step of the way. ⚕️
Contagious Coughs?
The contagiousness of a cough depends on its cause. If a virus is the culprit, it can easily spread through the air when your child coughs. This is why proper handwashing and teaching your child to cough into their arm or sleeve are essential, especially during cold and flu season. Let’s work together to keep our little ones and communities healthy!
Home Care For Soothing A Cough
For most coughs, you can kickstart home care with these helpful remedies:
1️⃣ Kick Mucus To The Curb: Encourage your child’s intake of clear liquids, such as water, coconut water, broth, LMNT or homemade electrolyte drinks, and herbal teas. Warm liquids are especially effective as they relax the airway and help loosen mucus. While breastfeeding should not be interrupted, shorter, more frequent feedings can make it easier for your infant. It’s best to avoid dairy products, which can increase mucus production. ☕
2️⃣ Humidification: Using a cool-mist humidifier or vaporizer in your child’s room helps keep the air moist. This is particularly beneficial for swollen tissues and nasal congestion. Please follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, ensuring regular cleaning to prevent any buildup of mold or irritants. ️
3️⃣ Cough Suppressants: We generally prefer limiting cough suppressants to nighttime and only when necessary when a cough disrupts your child’s sleep. However, they can also be used during the daytime if the cough interferes with school attendance or daily activities. Agave syrup (for children under 1), or honey (for kids over 1) mixed with lemon juice in warm liquids can provide soothing relief. For children over 4, cough drops can be an option. Natural remedies like Hyland’s Cough & Cold, Genexa, Chestal, Earthley Cough-B-Gone are good choices when warm tea and honey aren’t cutting it.
4️⃣ No Smoking Zone: Ensure that no one smokes around your child, and steer clear of smoke-infused clothing. We’re committed to promoting a smoke-free environment for our little ones always!
5️⃣ Fresh Air: The cool, crisp air we are experiencing can help reduce inflammation and open constricted airways. Even when your child is ill, a little bit of fresh air and sunshine can do wonders. Just keep activities to a minimum as to not irritate lungs or passageways. On the other hand, if the cough is caused by seasonal allergies, avoid spending time outdoors during peaks. ️
6️⃣ Aromatherapy: Essential oils like eucalyptus and lavender can provide relief. You can diffuse them, or consult an aromatherapist for recommendations for topical application. Steer clear of Vick’s Vaporub. As an alternative to Vick’s, Earthley makes a Breathe Well Salve that is safe for 6 mos+.
7️⃣ Homeopathic and Herbal Remedies: Homeopathy like Spongia Tosta can help to relieve dry, barking cough. Herbal remedies like horehound for reducing mucus production, cherry bark for soothing dry, irritant coughs, and valerian root (best used at bedtime) can be effective. Don’t forget the comforting herbal teas, such as chamomile or mint, which can also provide relief and hydration.
While most coughs are relatively mild and can be managed at home, keep an eye out for severe “red flag” symptoms and know when it’s time to call the doc for help.
If your child is struggling to breathe, has stridor (high-pitched, noisy breathing), or appears very sick
If cough lingers past a few weeks or keeps coming back, it’s essential to explore underlying causes
We hope our insights and remedies help to empower you to navigate your child’s coughs with confidence and care.
If you have any questions or concerns, we’re here to support you. Feel free to reach out anytime. Your child’s health and happiness are our top priorities!
Together, we’re building a healthier, happier future for our little ones. ⚕️
For some more general info on boosting our children’s immune systems and helping to support them through illness, check out a previous post of ours here: Boosting Your Child’s Immune System Naturally
